If nothing changes – Graceless degradation

In this book we have systematically reviewed many of the different facets of the world's auto industry, looking at the sector not as a business but as an ‘economic phenomenon’. We wanted to look at the industry as a business too, of course, but also at the car as a source of mobility, at the industry's impact within society as a whole, and at the auto sector in a much more holistic way than has been done before.

Where does it take us?

The answer is inevitably mixed. On the positive side, there is the increase in mobility the car has brought us: a colossal economic and social benefit for mankind. On the positive side, too, the industry has done much to address the environmental damage it once caused. Although there are still pollutants from cars, and the volume of carbon dioxide emissions is still rising, the damage vehicles cause through other emissions has been dramatically reduced and will fall much further in the years to come. This has been the result of much effort by the industry and by governments. Cars are also safer, and although the number of road deaths has risen substantially, much of this is a result of a lack of economic development – that is, it is a tragic phenomenon facing the developing world but also one that will eventually be fixed.